Medebach Mountain Trail - Bird sanctuary in the Tuscany of the Sauerland

The Medebach Mountain Trail passes through Medebach Bay bird sanctuary, a special protection area under European law. Many hours of sunshine and the hilly countryside have earned the region the title ‘Tuscany of the Sauerland’.

Diversity is the defining feature of this landscape, which features dry meadows full of flowers, pastureland, mountain heaths, gorse-covered peaks, field gardens and hedgerows. A pleasantly warm and relatively dry climate is also a hallmark of this region. It’s no wonder that many rare birds and insects, such as the red-backed shrike and copper butterfly, feel at home here. Other indigenous species include the black stork, quail and grey partridge. Birdwatchers will be in their element on this circular trail because it runs through Medebach Bay bird sanctuary, a European special protection area.

The Medebach Mountain Trail also follows part of the Glindfeld Monastery historical route as it winds through the unspoilt valleys of the eastern Sauerland. You can stop off at 18 of the 22 points of interest on the route, which are indicated by coloured information boards illustrating the interaction between the monastery and the region over the centuries.

Tip: ‘Fresenhof’ farmhouse, Titmaringhausen

This historical farmhouse (1708) with its barn (1658) is one of the loveliest half-timbered buildings in the Upper Sauerland.